3/2R and 5/2R

[Julia Go 2L]

Hi,

I am a little confused on calculations having to do with 3/2R. When would we use this when calculating heat capacities?

[Ana Pedreros]

This is used in monoatomic ideal gases. At constant volume the heat capacity, Cv = 3/2R, and at Constant Pressure, Cp= 5/2 R

[MadelynNguyen1F]

Yes, this varies because diatomic gases have a greater number of degrees of freedom compared to monoatomic gases.

[Eruchi Okpara 2E]

So how do we know when to use either 3/2R or 5/2R?

[Ethan Yi 1K]

So how do we know when to use either 3/2R or 5/2R?

as stated above, use Cv = 3/2 R at constant volume and use Cp = 5/2 R at constant pressure

[almaochoa2D]

How do you know when to assume it is a monatomic gas?